Tag Archives: alternative

Depression causes an enormous economic and social burden

Depression is one of the most serious and costly health problems facing the world today. Because of the high incidence of suicide and other medical or mental illness in depressed individuals, depression is regarded as the leading cause of death … Continue reading

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Complementary and alternative treatments of bipolar disorder

A large percentage of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder use complementary and alternative approaches together with prescription medications however there is little evidence for the safety and efficacy of many CAM therapies. The most appropriate and effective treatment approach should … Continue reading

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Limitations of conventional medications used to treat bipolar disorder

Different medications are used to treat bipolar disorder including mood stabilizers (e.g. lithium carbonate and valproate), antidepressants, antipsychotics and sedative-hypnotics. Mood stabilizers do what the name implies, that is they keep the mood from going up and down between episodes … Continue reading

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Serious medical problems frequently accompany bipolar disorder

Many individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder have serious medical problems including diabetes and cardiovascular disease which significantly increase their risk of dying. In fact cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder resulting in … Continue reading

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Many individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder do not respond to treatment

It is estimated that fewer than one half of individuals who take prescription medications following a first manic episode have good long-term control of their symptoms. To make matters more complicated, as many as 40% of bipolar patients who are … Continue reading

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Limitations of conventional psychiatric treatments of anxiety

Conventional treatments anxiety in Western culture include a specialized kind of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, and medications. Studies have confirmed that certain medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g. lorazepam, clonazepam and others) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are … Continue reading

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Recent advances in understanding of bipolar disorder

There are probably many causes of bipolar disorder including genetic, neurobiological, and immunologic factors. One recently proposed theory suggests that a problem that takes place at the level of RNA may lead to dysfunction of mitochondria, the ‘power houses’ of … Continue reading

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QiGong and Tai-chi may reduce the severity of generalized anxiety and promote emotional well-being

Qigong and Tai-chi are ancient Chinese practices used for maintaining emotional well-being and promoting mind-body balance. A review of QiGong in mental health care identified five studies on QiGong in the treatment of anxiety but only one small uncontrolled study … Continue reading

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The essential oils of Lavender and Rosemary reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety

Essential oils derived from lavender and other fragrant herbs are widely used to treat anxiety in the form of aromatherapy or massage oil. Limited research findings suggest that certain essential oils, especially lavender, have moderate anti-anxiety effects. Findings from one … Continue reading

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Passion flower extract may reduce the severity of generalized anxiety

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) contains an active ingredient called chrysin that has been demonstrated to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. In one small study, Passion flower extract 45 drops/day and oxazepam (a benzodiazepine) were equally effective in reducing … Continue reading

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